The Challenges and Opportunities Associated with Sickle Cell Disease Prevention, Education, and Management

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder affecting the shape of the red blood cells that block blood vessels leading to organ damage and frequent erratic painful episodes. SCD is a global public health issue affecting millions of people throughout the world. This article explores (a) what SCD is; (b) the physical and psychosocial impacts of the disease; (c) the challenges and opportunities associated with sickle cell prevention, education, and management; and (d) the implications for social work policy, practice, and research associated with the identified challenges and opportunities.

Keywords::

• Sickle cell disease
• prevention
• education
• management
• universal prevention
• selective prevention
• indicated prevention

Notes

^1. Individuals with SCT are usually healthy with no symptoms; however, they can transmit the SCT to their offspring (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).

^2. Vasoocclusion occurs when the sickled red blood cells (RBC) obstruct the other blood cells resulting in an inadequate supply of blood to the organs (Creary et al., 2007).

^3. Complete or partial collapse of the lung.